Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the male testes. It is the lifeblood of every man. Testosterone helps maintain men’s bone density, fat distribution, muscle strength and mass, red blood cell production, sex drive and sperm production. It’s what makes men, men frankly.

The normal range for testosterone is wide, and men’s testosterone levels usually change throughout their lives.

Naturally, testosterone peaks during adolescence and early adulthood. But as men get older, testosterone levels gradually fall – typically about 1 percent a year after age 30. It is important to find out if low testosterone is a result of normal aging, or if it could be due to a medical problem.

Declines in testosterone levels can cause symptoms. Fatigue and low sexual interest are the most common while some men also see changes in beard and body hair growth. Muscle wasting and a decrease in muscle strength can be a result of low testosterone also. ED can occur with testosterone deficiency. Fat gains may also be a cause of your low testosterone levels.

Disorders that may lead to low testosterone include hypogonadism, rare conditions of the testicles or the pituitary gland in which the body does not produce sufficient or adequate amounts of testosterone. Other conditions that can affect testosterone levels are environmental related, excessive weight gains, thyroid problems, obstructive sleep apnea, depression and excessive alcohol use.

Follow-up blood tests and examinations will show if a medical condition is contributing to low testosterone. Blood testing will also show your free testosterone levels, or the amount that is bioavailable to us. Proper blood testing will always include estradiol, a sister hormone of testosterone. If an underlying medical condition is identified, treatment for that disorder may be all you need to bring your testosterone level back into the normal range.